2017 Twin Cities Rail Ridership Up

Light rail ridership increased in 2017 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, despite a decline in bus ridership.

The Twin Cities' two light rail lines experienced record ridership in 2017, despite an overall decline in ridership across the system, reports Tim Harlow. According to Metro Transit, Green Line rides increased 3.5% to 13.1 million in 2017, and Blue Line rides increased 4% to 10.7 million. The Northstar commuter rail line also increased to nearly 800,000 rides in 2017.

Despite the increases on rail lines, overall ridership for Metro Transit declined slightly in 2017. Metro Transit officials blame a nationwide trend of low gas prices for reduced ridership numbers, as well as a construction project on a major downtown Minneapolis street.